SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme first began in 2009 in an effort to support and improve the lives of children affected by cancer.

The cancer journey can be especially challenging for children and youth as they struggle to find meaning and purpose in their circumstances. However, through life-affirming activities, they are equipped with the tools necessary to cope with the impact of cancer and to live life to the fullest.

Singtel Touching Lives Fund has been contributing $200,000 to this programme yearly from 2009 to 2013. An additional $50,000 was added to the fund amounting to a total of $250, 000 yearly from 2014 to 2017. Thanks to this generous contribution, the programme has set up several initiatives that cater to the educational and psychosocial needs of the young who are faced with adversities in their early lives.

At SCS, a wide and holistic array of services are provided to these children, youth and their families that include a tuition programme, achievement awards, school allowances, youth engagements and family activities.

SCS Tuition Programme

Children and youth are impacted in many ways when their loved ones have cancer. Some may face difficulties coping with their studies whil caring for their loved ones. One of the main concerns of parents diagnosed with cancer, is often the impact of cancer on their children, and their performance in school. To address these concerns, SCS engages qualified tutors to provide free one-to-one home tuition services. The aim of the programme is to provide a pillar of support for their academic pursuits and emotional well- being. By helping to improve their confidence and self-esteem by doing well in school, the programme hopes to alleviate the concerns and worries of their family members who are afflicted by cancer.

In 2018 a total of 41 students (17 Primary and 24 Secondary) were provided with the tuition programme. 13 students graduated from the programme last year and they were admitted to JC, Poly and ITE. Thirty (31) Tutors were enrolled to support in this programme.

SCS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The SCS Achievement Award Ceremony serves to recognise and reward the efforts made by the children and youths from our tuition programme and welfare beneficiary. The awards serve to acknowledge, inspire, and commend students’ hard work and diligence in spite of trying circumstances at home.

SCS Education Financial Assistance Scheme

SCS provides school allowance grants and bursaries to alleviate the financial burden of school-going children and youths whose families are impacted by cancer. In 2017, 99 children received school allowance grants while 1 bursary was awarded to students undergoing tertiary education.

SCS youth club

Since January 2018, SCS has set up a youth club that offers opportunities for personal growth and development. This new initiative for youths between the ages 13-26 years old will equip youths with the knowledge, attitudes, talent and skills to manage a wide range of life experiences including the ability to recognise and manage emotions; develop care and concern for others; establish positive relationships; make responsible decisions; and handle challenging situations constructively and ethically. Programmes are carried out monthly and our youths are engaged in the following areas: Leadership development, participate in various social recreational programme, learn important life skills, attend workshops and volunteerism.

SCS Family Engagement

It is important for families to feel supported and recognized for the ways in which they are able and choose to participate and engaged at Singapore Cancer Society. Activities, interactions, and support increases the family involvement in their child’s healthy development and to foster strong focus on family bonding through a fun recreational and experiential activity.